Calangute Block Congress Committee members addressing a press conference
Gomantak Times
Congress faced a significant revolt a day after Michael Lobo was inducted into the party as members of the Calangute Congress Committee block, including former MLA Agnelo Fernandes, Joseph Sequeira and Anthony Menezes, resigned on Wednesday, January 12.
Addressing media persons, Former MLA Agnelo Fernandes said, “We the Calangute Block of Congress has resigned over the induction of Michael Lobo. we are not at all happy with this induction, no one was consulted before going ahead with this decision, there is absolutely no loyalty left in the Congress.
"Digambar Kamat and Girish Chodankar only give respect to vitamin M (money) and are doing deals for tickets," he added.
He further said that they will campaign against Michael and Congress in Bardez taluka.
Former Calangute sarpanch Anthony Menezes said, "Dirty Politics is not cup of my tea. We were all loyal to the party, there is difference between royalty and loyalty. Congress party doesn't have loyalty, they just want royalty."
"Congress has betrayed us, we had decided to stay together no matter any one of us gets the ticket in Calangute constituency."
Calangute Block Congress Committee president Benedict D’Souza said, "We all are very hurt with this decision and now entire Congress party will be finished in the state".
D'souza said Senior Congress leader and Goa election observer P. Chidambaram had categorically stated during a meeting in Candolim three months ago that party tickets would be allotted with active consultation of the block committee members. Three names were selected in Calangute i.e, Agnelo Fernandes, Joseph Sequeira and Anthony Menezes.
He further said, "our slogan was suppose to be Lobo Hatao, Calangute Bachao but now it will be Congress Hatao, Goa Bachao".
On Tuesday, January 11, former BJP minister along with his wife Delilah Lobo joined Congress.